Riverside Backpackers is quite a depressing hostel. The bar is nice, albeit very segregated, but the rest of the building is in pretty poor condition and needs an update. It's cheap, but there are better options around for a similar price. The name is also misleading -- it's not by the side of the river, and it doesn't really have a backpacker vibe to it, as it's often used by older, long-term stayers.
The Location
There are many different bus terminals depending on the direction you enter Phnom Penh. However, all of these will be relatively close to the river and north of the hostel. Ask a tuk tuk driver to point you in the direction of the river. This shouldn't be more than a ten-minute walk and will be easy to navigate to due to the grid layout of the roads. One at the river, walk south (keeping the river on your left). Follow this road and look out for the Irish bar called Murphy's. Walk a further one hundred meters past this bar and turn right, away from the river, when you see New Corner restaurant and cafe. Walk for a further twenty meters and you will see the hostel on your right. Be careful -- this hostel has recently changed its name and the front of the building looks different from the pictures on some booking sites.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms come with squeaky old beds that wobble when someone climbs into the top bunk. Fans and on-demand air conditioning make the rooms bearable, but you won't want to spend much time here. The mattresses are large and comfy enough for a good night's sleep and there are small lockers available. En suite bathrooms are present; these are probably the worst part of the hostel. Hot water is either poor or nonexistent and some of the showers are hand held due to the mounts being broken. The water pressure is also terrible. These are clean though, as is the rest of the property, and the Wi-Fi is fast.
Common Spaces
The main common area is a bar/restaurant. If you're already with people, then this is a nice place to chill with some cheap beers, play some table football, and eat, but you'll probably be the only people here. It certainly isn't a vibrant place, as there are far better bars nearby. The layout also doesn't help establish a good atmosphere, as each small table is separated like a restaurant. There's a small book exchange and some board games you can play, and that's about it for backpacker facilities.
Summary
Due to its price, this is a typical cheap, city-center hostel that attracts all sorts of people of different ages with different purposes. This, therefore, can diminish the backpacker feel and give off a bit of a desperate atmosphere. The bar is nice, but Phnom Penh certainly doesn't lack nice bars, so this isn't anything special. Have a shop around and you can get something much comfier or more vibrant for the same price.
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Sadly, this hostel has closed.
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Riverside Backpackers Reviews
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Chris
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Nov 2, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• Centrally Located just 50m, from the main river front area.
• (Save money on tuk tuk rides to the river front).
• We are within walking distance to many of Phnom Penh's main attractions: E,g Royal palace/ silver pagoda, Wat Phnom, Central & Night Market.
• In the same street as Kandal Market the area has a truly Asian feel, With local Cambodians going about their daily life.
• From Sisowath Quay (river front) turn down St 144 towards Kandal Market. We are located on the right hand side. Number 17.
• We can arrange a taxi to pick up from airport. Price is 12 dollar.
• We need to know airline, flight number and arrival time.
• To arrange an airport pick up, please email us.
Facilities and Amenities
Party Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Airport Pickup
Lockers in Lobby
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Security
Air Conditioning
Bar
Board Games
Concierge/Info Desk
Entirely Non-Smoking
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hot Showers
Laundry
Lounge Area
Curfew: No Curfew
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
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